No Man's Sky
No Man's Sky

Ships and Freighters

Master interstellar travel and fleet command in No Man's Sky. Learn about starship capabilities and freighter functions for survival and galactic progression.

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Ships and Freighters

Your starship and freighter are your primary means of traversing the vast cosmos of No Man's Sky. Each plays a distinct role, from rapid interstellar travel and planetary exploration to serving as a mobile base and command center for your fleet. Understanding the different types of ships, their capabilities, and the function of freighters is fundamental to your survival and progression through the galaxy.

Starships: These are your personal vessels for exploring star systems. They come in various classes (C, B, A, S) and types, each with unique strengths:

  • Fighter: Balanced for combat, with good maneuverability and weapon systems.
  • Explorer: Desed for long-distance travel, featuring efficient warp drives and scanners.
  • Hauler: Possesses the largest cargo capacity, ideal for resource gathering and trading.
  • Shuttle: A general-purpose ship, offering a balance of speed, cargo, and maneuverability.
  • Exotic: Rare and often visually striking, these ships typically have high base stats and unique dess, though often with limited inventory space.
  • Solar: Known for their distinctive sails and efficient warp capabilities, often with good maneuverability.
  • Living Ship: Organic vessels with unique abilities and upgrade paths that involve Void Eggs and the Starbirth questline.

You can acquire new starships by purchasing them at space stations, finding crashed ships on planets, or through specific missions. Your current ship can be traded in when purchasing a new one, or salvaged for components.

Freighters: These massive capital ships serve as your mobile base of operations. They offer extensive storage, a place to dock your starships, and the ability to command a fleet of frigates. Freighters are crucial for managing large-scale operations, resource storage, and long-term expeditions.

  • Acquisition: Freighters are typically encountered during space travel. After a certain amount of playtime or warp jumps, you'll receive a distress call leading to a freighter under attack. Rescuing it will allow you to purchase it from the captain.
  • Fleet Command: Once you own a freighter, you can purchase and command frigates. These smaller vessels can be sent on expeditions to gather resources, engage in combat, or explore, bringing back rewards to your freighter.
  • Customization: Freighters can be customized with various modules, storage rooms, hydroponic farms, and cosmetic decorations, turning them into personalized mobile bases.
  • Upgrades: Freighter technology can be upgraded, improving its warp range, fleet command capabilities, and defensive systems.

The synergy between your starship and freighter is vital. Your starship allows you to explore individual planets and engage in tactical space combat, while your freighter provides the logistical support and command structure for your wider galactic endeavors.

Vessel Type Primary Function Key Features
Starship Personal Travel, Exploration, Combat Variety of types, classes, and stats
Freighter Mobile Base, Fleet Command, Storage Large capacity, frigate management, customization